Things Not to Do and Things to Do to Keep Your Automobile in Tip-top Condition
We all know how the prices of both new and used cars have skyrocketed in recent years. At New Cats Auto Parts we always have a huge supply of quality used parts for repair work to keep your vehicle running. Beyond parts, we want to do all we can to help you get the most out of your hard-earned dollars and keep your vehicle on the road.
With that in mind, here are some maintenance tips – things not to do and things to do – to keep your vehicle running smoothly for years to come.
A Few Things Not to Do
1) Don’t bang through potholes. The job of your suspension system is to smooth out perfections in the road, but it has its limits. Driving too fast through the inevitable potholes can bend wheel rims and brake struts.
2) Don’t use the cheapest gas. We’re all affected by the rising prices of gasoline, but constantly using the cheapest grade of gasoline can eventually lead to expensive damage to your engine. If the manufacturer recommends premium, use premium and not regular.
3) Don’t keep a heavy foot on the brake and gas pedals. If you’re doing this, you’re probably driving recklessly and placing added stress on your car. Slow down and stay calm. The streets will be safer and your car will last longer.
4) Don’t let your car sit unused. Allowing your car to sit for prolonged periods without being used drains the battery and will misshape the tires. If you’re going to have to store your car for a period of time, try to find an indoor location. Slightly overfill the tires to keep them round and attach the car battery to a trickle charger to keep it from dying.
5) Don’t ignore signs of trouble. If you hear unusual noises like grinding or squealing, don’t ignore them. Have your mechanic check them out. Catching small problems at an early stage prevents them from becoming major issues down the road.
6) Don’t hold the shifter. If you have a manual transmission, it’s a good idea not to rest your hand on the shifter. It seems like a minor thing, but that added pressure can lead to the premature wearing of the transmission’s components.
Now, a Few Things to Do
1) Rotate your tires. You should have your tires rotated every 5,000 to 8,000 miles. Rotation ensures that your tires wear evenly, and they’ll last longer, too. And keep them inflated to the level recommended by your car’s manufacturer.
2) Change the oil regularly. Oil is the lifeblood of your vehicle, and over time it can become thick and dirty. That, in turn, can lead to wear on engine components.
For regular motor oil, you should probably change it every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. With synthetic oil (oil containing special additives), you might go up to 15,000 miles between oil changes.
3) Make sure your car’s aligned. Those potholes we mentioned can knock your car out of alignment. If your car seems to be pulling to one side, have your mechanic check the alignment. If your wheels are out of alignment, your car will be harder to steer and your tires will wear out faster.
4) Keep it washed. That’s essential to get rid of the salt and other gunk that accumulates on your car and can lead to premature rusting. And be sure to clean the undercarriage as that’s where most of the buildup is likely to occur.
5) Keep the fluid levels topped off. To avoid premature wear and damage, you need to check various fluid levels every month or so and add fluid as needed. Check your owner’s manual for instructions on checking the motor oil, coolant, brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid.
The Best Selection of Used Car Parts in Chicago, IL
We hope you find these suggestions helpful in keeping your vehicle on the road for years to come. But when those inevitable breakdowns occur, we hope you’ll remember New Cats Auto Parts for the very best selection of high-quality used auto parts to be found anywhere in the Chicago area. We sell both retail and wholesale, and whatever you need, we’re sure to have the parts in our inventory.
And don’t forget, we pay cash for junk cars, and we’ll even haul it away for you!
We’re always here for you, so come see us at New Cats Auto Parts.